This Spring Salad With Herbed Goat Cheese Is Like a Picnic in the Garden

Get a full taste of spring with this baby spinach, pea, and asparagus salad topped with herbed goat cheese. Blanch the asparagus and peas, make the herbed goat cheese, and whisk together the dressing up to 1 day ahead. When you're ready to serve, toss the spinach and veggies with the dressing, top with the cheese, and dinner is ready. For ease in coating the goat cheese with herbs and cutting it into neat rounds, be sure to use the plastic wrap to help you roll it and keep it together as you slice.

Ingredients

8 cups water

8 ounces fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1 1/2 cups)

1 cup frozen green peas (about 5 oz.)

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives

1 (3-oz.) goat cheese log

1 teaspoon lime zest

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon whole-grain mustard

1 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh mint

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

6 ounces fresh baby spinach

1 cup thinly sliced radishes (about 3 oz.)

1/4 cup roasted unsalted almonds

1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves

Nutritional Information

Calories 245

Fat 18g

Satfat 5g

Unsatfat 12g

Protein 10g

Carbohydrate 14g

Fiber 5g

Sugars 5g

Added sugars 1g

Sodium 541mg

Calcium 13% DV

Potassium 16% DV

Calories 245

Fat 18g

Satfat 5g

Unsatfat 12g

Protein 10g

Carbohydrate 14g

Fiber 5g

Sugars 5g

Added sugars 1g

Sodium 541mg

Calcium 13% DV

Potassium 16% DV

How to Make It

Step 1

Place a bowl of ice water next to the sink. Bring 8 cups water to a boil in a medium stockpot over high. Add asparagus and peas, and cook until tender, 2 to 3 minutes; drain. Plunge asparagus and peas into ice bath; drain. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to dry; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Step 2

Place a 12-inch square of plastic wrap on a work surface. Sprinkle parsley and chives in the middle of the square. Roll goat cheese in herb mixture to coat, and roll plastic wrap around cheese. Gently roll into a 4-inch-long log. Cut log into 8 (1/2-inch-thick) rounds, cutting through the plastic; discard plastic.